ML23201A186
| ML23201A186 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 07/03/2023 |
| From: | NRC/OCIO |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML23201A184 | List: |
| References | |
| FOIA-2023-000148 | |
| Download: ML23201A186 (1) | |
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The NRC Reporter Announces a New Format and New Publication Schedule Published 3/8/2023 Starting immediately, the NRC Rep_orter will follow a new publication model with a new format and publication schedule. The newsletter is now a SharePoint site.
NRC Reporter Publication Schedule
- Articles will be published as they are received; they will not be batched together in one issue in PDF format, and the newsletter is no longer a monthly publication
- For ease of reading, articles will still be grouped together by submission date as issues (e.g., all articles submitted in March 2023 will be grouped as part of Volume 19, Issue 3, March 2023), but articles will be added throughout each month
- Due to the new publication model, deadlines for submitting articles and other information have been eliminated Articles will be highlighted in the new NRC Rep_orter Teams channel (under the EDO Information Hub); learn how to sign up for notifications each time a new article 1s published
NRC Reporter Features
- Standard features previously published in each issue (e.g., NRC offices, committees, and boards; EAP Support Groups; Federal holidays; payroll calendar) are available from the "Resources" menu
- Submissions should still be sent to NRCReP-orter.Resource@nrc.gov If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out to the editor at NRCReP-orter.Resource@nrc.gov. Thank you for your continued support of the agency's staff newsletter.
Adam Glazer (OC/0)
It's Time to Say Good-Bye to... Christopher Fontana Published 3/9/2023 It's time to say good-bye to:
Your last day at the NRC:
Number of years of Federal service:
Office:
Job title:
Office in which you started your NRC career:
Other Federal agencies for which you have worked:
What has inspired you to want to make a difference/affect change at the NRC?
Christopher Fontana December 31, 2022 Almost 40 years Region II, Division of Reactor Safety (DRS),
Operations Branch 2 Emergency Preparedness Inspector Region 11, DRS, Plant Support Branch 2 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA}
What do you consider to be the biggest change during your time at the NRC?
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the agency today?
Do you have any suggestions for making the NRC better?
Do you have a favorite memory you would like to share during your time at the NRC?
Do you have any advice for someone starting work at the NRC today?
Once retired, 1 plan to:
Any other items you would like to include:
(b )(6)
b)(6)
It's Time to Say Good-Bye to... Joan White Published 3/9/2023 It's time to say good-bye to:
Your last day at the NRC:
Number of years of Federal service:
Office:
Job title:
Office in which you started your NRC career:
What has inspired you to want to make a difference/affect change at the NRC?
Joan A. White December 31, 2022 36+ years Rill Administrative Assistant RIii b)(6)
What do you consider to be the biggest change during your time at the NRC?
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the agency today?
Do you have any suggestions for making the NRC better?
Do you have a favorite memory you would like to share during your time at the NRC?
Do you have any advice for someone starting work at the NRC today?
Once retired, I plan to:
"6)(6)
Any other items you would like to include:
r )(6) b)(6)
It's Time to Say Good-Bye to... Greg Pick Published 3/9/2023 It's time to say good-bye to:
Your last day at the NRC:
Number of years of Federal service:
Office:
Job title:
Office in which you started your NRC career:
What has inspired you to want to make a difference/affect change at the NRC?
Greg Pick December 31, 2022 41 years 9 months RIV Senior Reactor Inspector RII, Division of Reactor Safety and Projects
What do you consider to be the biggest change during your time at the NRC?
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the agency today?
Do you have any suggestions for making the NRC better?
Do you have a favorite memory you would like to share during your time at the NRC?
Do you have any advice for someone starting work at the NRC today?
Once retired, I plan to:
Any other items you would like to include:
(b)(6)
b)(6)
It's Time to Say Good-Bye to... Daniel Mussatti Published 3/9/2023 It's time to say good-bye to:
Your last day at the NRC:
Number of years of Federal service:
Office:
Job title:
Office in which you started your NRC career:
Other Federal agencies for which you have worked:
What has inspired you to want to make a Daniel Mussatti January 31, 2023 31.4 years NMSS Senior Economist NRR (then, two weeks later, it was NRO, where I stayed from start to finish)
EPA (September 15, 1991 - June 6, 2006)
difference/affect change at the NRC?
What do you consider to be the biggest change during your time at the NRC?
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the agency today?
Do you have any suggestions for making the NRC better?
Do you have a favorite memory you would like to share during your time at the NRC?
Do you have any advice for someone starting work at the NRC today?
Once retired, I plan to:
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
It's Time to Say Good-Bye to... Anne Frost Published 3/9/2023 It's time to say good-bye to:
Your last day at the NRC:
Number of years of Federal service:
Office:
Job title:
Other NRC offices in which you have worked:
What has inspired you to want to make a difference/affect change at the NRC?
Anne Frost December 31, 2022 32 years, 10 months, and 2 days OGC Technical Information Specialist OCIO Kl,)(6)
What do you consider to be the biggest change during your time at the NRC?
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the agency today?
Do you have any suggestions for making the NRC better?
Do you have a favorite memory you would like to share during your time at the NRC?
Do you have any advice for someone starting work at the NRC today?
Once retired, I plan to:
b)(6)
It's Time to Say Good-Bye to... Gary Callaway Published 3/9/2023 It's time to say good-bye to:
Your last day at the NRC:
Number of years of Federal service:
Office:
Job title:
Office in which you started your NRC career:
Other NRC offices in which you have worked:
Gary Callaway December 19, 2022 25 OCHCO/TTC Senior Reactor Technology Instructor OCHCO/TTC Since I am qualified as a chief examiner, I have participated in many operator examinations in multiple regions, but my home office has always been the TTC.
What has inspired you to want to make a difference/affect change at the NRC?
What do you consider to be the biggest change during your time at the NRC?
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the agency today?
Do you have any suggestions for making the NRC better?
Do you have a favorite memory you would like to share during your time at the NRC?
Do you have any advice for someone starting work at the NRC today?
Once retired, I plan to:
b)(6)
It's Time to Say Good-Bye to... Jim Clay Published 3/9/2023 It's time to say good-bye to:
Your last day at the NRC:
Number of years of Federal service:
Office:
Job title:
Office in which you started your NRC career:
Other Federal agencies for which you have worked:
What has inspired you to want to make a difference/affect change at the NRC?
Jim Clay December 31, 2022 45.6 years (25 years of Navy time)
Rill Administrative Assistant to the Region Ill Regional Administrator RIii U.S. Navy
What do you consider to be the biggest change during your time at the NRC?
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the agency today?
Do you have any suggestions for making the NRC better?
Do you have a favorite memory you would like to share during your time at the NRC?
Do you have any advice for someone starting work at the NRC today?
Once retired, I plan to:
[b)(6)
Any other items you would like to include:
Home Smoke Alarms and Their Disposal Published 3/3/2023 A smoke alarm is a device that detects smoke and sets off an alarm to alert those nearby of the threat of a potential fire. A household smoke alarm will typically be mounted in a disk-shaped plastic enclosure about 150 mm in diameter and 25 mm thick, but the shape can vary by manufacturer. Because smoke rises, most smoke alarms are mounted on the ceiling or on a wall near the ceiling. It is imperative that smoke alarms are regularly maintained and checked to ensure that they operate properly. This will ensure early warning to allow emergency responses to occur well before a fire causes serious damage.
There are two common types of smoke alarms in general use for the home: photoelectric and ionization. These two technologies are sensitive to smoke from either a smoldering fire or a flaming fire. Photoelectric smoke alarms tend to respond faster to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering and detect smoke using an optical sensor. Ionization smoke alarms tend to respond faster to invisible smoke produced by flaming fires and use an ionization chamber.
For the best protection, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that consumers install both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms, or a dual-sensor combination smoke alarm, which combines photoelectric and ionization technology in one device.
Ionization smoke alarms use Americium (Am 241) as a source of radioactive isotopes. Am 241 ionizes the air in the sensing chamber. The ionization of the air permits an electrical current to flow. When smoke particles enter the sensing chamber, they disrupt the electrical circuit and sound the alarm. A typical ionization smoke alarm contains about 1 micro curie (about 1/5000 of a gram) of Am 241 which is shielded by a metal chamber within the plastic casing of the smoke alarm. There is no health risk from Am 241 smoke alarms if they are not tampered with and are used as directed. However, when a smoke alarm is broken during disposal activity, it can present a health hazard. For this reason, you should never try to take apart an old or used ionization smoke alarm.
Photoelectric smoke alarms do not contain any radioactive materials. Photoelectric smoke alarms have a light emitting diode (LED) that sends a steady ray of light across an inner chamber. When smoke enters the device, it scatters the light toward a sensor in the alarm unit. The sensor detects the light and triggers the alarm.
Used or expired photoelectric smoke alarms can be safely put in the recycling bin so long as you remove the battery first. When disposing of an ionization or dual-sensor smoke alarm, follow the manufacturer's instructions, or check with your local county recycling transfer station or local hazardous waste collection centers for instructions. Smoke alarms containing Am 241 should not be thrown in the recycling bin, as they will set off radiation detection alarms at the incineration facility and the load will be rejected. Do not disturb, poke, or play with the radioactive ingredient in the ionization or dual-sensor smoke alarm. To avoid this problem, and to be an environmentally conscious consumer, purchase your next ionization or dual-sensor smoke alarm from a manufacturer that provides an easy end-of-life recycling option. To determine whether your smoke alarm is an ionization type, look on the back; it should either have the letter "I" or say "Ionization."
Additional Information
- Environmental Protection Agenq~ (EPA)
- Los Alamos National Laborato[Y_ (LANL)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA/USFA)
- U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
- DisP-ose of Smoke Detectors ProP-erlY-. USPS.
- Ionization Smoke Detectors. LANL.
- Ionization vs. Photoelectric. NFPA.
- Smoke Alarms at Home. NFPA.
- Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector BuY-ing Guide. Consumer Reports.
- What Kind of Smoke Alarm (Smoke Detector) Should I BuY-? NFPA.
Daylight Saving Time 2023: Spring Forward Draft saved 5/31/2023 Spring Fo--r-vtUr~
~und,y, Mneh TI, ~0:!3 Remember to set your clocks forward one hour Change the batteries,n your smoke alarms
Spring forward Sunday, March 12, 2023 Naeem Iqbal (NRR)
NRC Probabilistic Risk Assessment Training for 2023 Published 3/1/2023 In an effort to be a more modern risk-informed regulator, OCHCO/HRTD provides many Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) training courses, ranging from basic to advanced levels.
PRA is a systematic method for assessing risk. Additionally, PRA allows the NRC to understand likely outcomes, sensitivities, areas of importance, system interactions, and areas of uncertainty, which the staff can use to identify risk-significant scenarios. The NRC utilizes PRA and other risk assessment methods for reactor, RIS materials, and waste applications in our efforts to be modern risk-informed regulators. Regulatory requirements are established to ensure no undue risk to public health and safety results from licensed uses of facilities and materials.
For nuclear power plants (NPPs)1 PRA is a risk assessment method widely used to estimate the risk at three levels:
J Level I Description
Level 1 PRA
- Estimates the frequency of accidents that cause damage to the nuclear reactor core
- The plant's safety systems are assessed in response to initiating events to provide the core damage frequency (CDF) risk level of plant operations Level 2 PRA
- Estimates the frequency of accidents that result in a release of radioactivity, including quantity and characteristics (i.e., timing and energy) from the nuclear power plant Level 3 PRA
- Estimates the health and/or economic consequences given a release of radioactivity in terms of health and economic injury to the public and damage to the environment In order to promote the use of risk assessment methods for NPPs and to achieve the goals of the Commission's PRA Policy Statement on the use of PRA methods in nuclear regulatory activities, HRTD maintains and offers a suite of state-of-the-art risk assessment courses through an interagency agreement with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Course costs are paid for by HRTD, and with nearly all of the courses offered at the Professional Development Center (PDC) in TWFN, there are no travel costs for headquarters personnel to attend. So, whether a staff member needs to increase their knowledge of the theory and practical application of risk in their current position, or if they aspire to become a risk analyst, HRTD has your risk assessment training needs covered Below is a list of course offerings for this year. Please take the time to review the course prerequisites and register for these courses via TMS and help us move toward being a modern risk-informed regulator!
TMS Course ID Course Title 2023 Course Offerings P-105 PRA Basics for Regulatory Applications July 11 - 13, 2023
(prerequisite for many classes)
November 7 - 9, 2023 P-108 Fire Protection SDP Training October 17 - 19, 2023 P-111 PRA Technology and Regulatory Perspectives April 11 - 21, 2023 September 12 - 22, 2023 P-200 System Modeling Techniques for PRA May 2 - 5, 2023 P-201 SAPHIRE Basics May 16 -19, 2023 P-202 Advanced SAPHIRE June 6 - 9, 2023 P-203 Human Reliability Analysis (HRA)
July 13 -16, 2023 P-204 External Events July 18 - 21, 2023 P-300 Accident Progression Analysis August 15 -17, 2023 P-301 Accident Consequence Analysis August 28 - September 1, 2023 P-302 Risk Assessment in Event Evaluation August 1 - 4, 2023 P-400 Introduction to Risk Assessment for Materials June 27 - 29, 2023 Safety and Waste Management Antonios Zoulis (NRR) and Eric Riggs (OCHCO)
Fred Miller Presented with Patriot Award Published 3/3/2023 At a surprise ceremony on December 21, 2022, Ron Pitts, a representative from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) office), presented Fred Miller, chief of NMSS's Division of Rulemaking, Environmental, and Financial Support (NMSS/REFS), with the prestigious Patriot Award! The award is given to supervisors that directly support service members through flexible schedules, support during deployments, and any other transition issues reservists face when going to or returning from deployments.
Supervisors are nominated directly by the service member; in this case, Emil Tabakov, a financial analyst in the Financial Assessment Branch (FAB) in NMSS/REFS, took the initiative to nominate Fred and drafted a winning nomination! Emil noted that Fred demonstrated superb leadership skills and eased stress during the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring that he had the time and resources r ><
6>
1-Please note that Ron mentioned that less than 5% of supervisors that have reservists among their ranks receive this award!
In addition to being proud of Fred, we are also pleased that Emil took the time out of his busy jobs if._
- b>_<
6> ___
l(b><6>
Ito nominate Fred. This award reminds us that one of the best things about NRC is people looking out for each other, doing what they can to provide support, and then recognizing those individuals for doing just that.
Way to go, Fred and Emil!
Tara Inverso (NMSS) b)(6)
Pictured from left to right:
Emil Tabakov (NMSS}, Fred Miller (NMSS), and Ron Pitts (ESGR)
International Atomic Energy Agency Young Professionals Symposium Published 3/8/2023 On February 13-16, 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held the sixth International Conference on Effective Nuclear and Radiation Regulatory Systems (RegCon2023). This year's conference was chaired by NRC Chair Christopher T. Hanson, serving as conference president, and its theme was "Preparing for the Future in a Rapidly Changing Environment."
The purpose of the conference, hosted by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Abu Dhabi, was to address issues of importance to the global regulatory community, focusing on the importance of the regulators in ensuring a high standard of safety and security.
The conference also featured the Young Professionals Competition youth panel side event, a paper contest which sought innovative ideas and solutions in several challenging areas from young professionals working in the areas of nuclear and radiation regulatory systems. The possible topics were climate change, building (technical) capacity for the future, application of the "graded approach" while developing or adapting regulatory strategies and programs, regulatory approaches for decommissioning and radioactive waste management of power and research reactors, regulatory communication and outreach, and regulatory effectiveness in an increased use of digitalization and innovative technologies. The top five entries were invited to the conference to discuss their papers in-person.
Participating in the Young Professionals Competition, members of the NRC's Nuclear Regulator Apprenticeship Network (NRAN) submitted three papers addressing three different challenge areas. Stephanie Garza and Zee St.
Hilaire, a two-member team of the NRAN cohort, were among the final top five entries. Their paper addressed the issue of "building capacity for the future" for nuclear regulators. They described how the elements of the NRAN program can be implemented to benefit global nuclear regulators.
Additionally, the three-member team of Anthony Valiaveedu, Adam Lee, and David Burgess submitted an entry on potential uses of artificial intelligence in future regulatory purposes. Their topic was selected as a poster.
This was an opportunity for the NRC to showcase our young professionals and their innovation. It also showcased the NRAN program to the world as one successful means to attract, train, and retain new young talent. It is particularly fortuitous that Chair Hanson led the main conference, since he has been a positive advocate of the NRAN program.
Pictured from left to right: David Burgess, Stephanie Garza, Adam Lee, Zee St. Hilaire, and Anthony Valiaveedu Diane Jackson (OCHCO)
Nick Melly Named NRC's 2023 Federal Engineer of the Year Published 3/10/2023 Congratulations to Nick Melly! Nick, a fire protection engineer in the Fire and External Hazards Analysis Branch in RES's Division of Risk Analysis (RES/DRA/FXHAB), was recognized as the NRC's Engineer of the Year at the 2023 Federal Engineer of the Year Awards ceremony. Nick was nominated by his branch chief, MarkHenry Salley.
The prestigious event was held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2023. The award is sponsored annually by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)/Professional Engineers in Government (PEG). Nominees from across the Federal government are recognized at the awards ceremony.
Judges determined the "Top Ten" engineers out of more than 20 agency winners; one of the ten was then selected as the Federal Engineer of the Year.
Each Federal agency winner was presented with a plaque at the awards luncheon by NSPE president Britt Smith and a representative from the recipient's agency. Acting RES deputy director John Tappert presented Nick with his award. In addition to MarkHenry and John, Nick was also accompanied by Kenny Hamburger, the agency's 2021 Engineer of the Year.
A complete list of all Federal agency winners is available.
Tanya Parwani (OCHCO)
Pictured from left to right:
John Tappert (RES), Nick Melly (RES), and Kenny Hamburger (RES)
Pictured from left to right:
Nick Melly (RES) and fvlarkHenry Salley (RES)
IAEA Technical Meeting on Common Cause Failure in NPP l&C Systems Published 3/10/2023 From December 6-8, 2022, NRC staff Samir Darbali, Norbert Carte, Steve Alferink, and Sushil Birla participated virtually in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) technical meeting on common cause failures (CCFs) in nuclear power plant (NPP) instrumentation and control (l&C) systems. Seventy-four participants from 23 countries exchanged information and experiences about the causes, effects, and control of CCFs through 24 presentations.
Digital l&C CCF has been one of the high priority issues identified by the IAEA member states.
The outcomes from the meeting will contribute to the IAEA Technical Working Group on Nuclear Power Plant Instrumentation and Control (TWG-NPPIC) that is scheduled to meet from May 31-June 2, 2023, for advising the IAEA Secretariat on programmatic activities related to NPP l&C.
Samir presented SECY-22-0076, "Expansion of Current Policy on Potential Common-Cause Failures in Digital Instrumentation and Control Systems," which garnered interest from some of the member states.
The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) gave a presentation on their efforts to use risk-informed methods in NEI 20-07.
"Guidance for Addressing Software Common Cause Failure in High Safety-Significant Safety Related D1g1tal l&C Systems."
Sushil gave presentations on two topics of interest to the IAEA:
- 1. Defining complexity and corresponding criteria to enable reactor safety assurance.
- 2. State-of-the-art methods for addressing CCFs in digital systems of highest criticality.
As non-United States participants were not aware of these developments in the United States, a clarifying discussion followed the NRC presentations. NRC participants also learned of developments in Europe to reduce the potential of CCFs based on new technologies and math-based analytical techniques.
The NRC participants identified two opportunities for participation later in 2023:
- 1. A case study illustrating the application of the systems engineering paradigm to create a performance-based, safety goal outcome oriented, risk-informed safety analysis (instead of the traditional compliance-oriented organization of the safety analysis report). IAEA's TWG-NPPlC will determine the path forward on this case study.
- 2. A CCF workshop scheduled for September 18-22, 2023.
Additional Information
- NRC meeting summarY-
- List of P-articiP-ants
- Day.J_presentations
- Day_2_presentations
- Day_l_presentations
- Meeting_photos
Sushil Birla (RES), Steve Alferink (NRR), Samir Darbali (NRR), and Norbert Carte (NRR)
Most in-person meeting attendees
NRC Celebrates Black History Month 2023 Published 3/15/2023 The Advisory'. Committee for African Americans (ACAA) hosted a series of events in February 2023 to commemorate and celebrate Black History Month.
The monthlong celebration at the NRC kicked off on February 2 with an offsite in-person social at Twin Valley Distillers, a locally owned and sourced distillery. The social provided an exciting evening and opportunity to socialize. Over 35 NRC managers and staff gathered to enjoy light appetizers and samples of Twin Valley's spirits and cocktails.
A commemorative hybrid luncheon was held on February 22 in the TWFN Auditorium and virtually via Teams. We were honored to have Emmy award-winning journalists and WUSA-9 news anchors Lesli Foster and Allison Seymour as keynote speakers. The luncheon was attended by over 200 NRC staff and managers.
To wrap up the month, a hybrid panel discussion - with over 90 attendees - was held on February 28. The insightful panel of Black NRC managers and staff shared their experiences and perspectives on Black representation. ACAA coordinated this event with the NRC chapter of Blacks in Government (BIG).
In addition, throughout the month of February, Black NRC trailblazers from the past and present were highlighted
on NRC's social media pages and on the digital signage in NRC headquarters lobbies.
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the celebratory events! These include ACAA members, ADM, SBCR, the NRC Protocol Office in OCA, and OPA.
A very special kudos to Shawn Smith (NMSS), the ACAA lead coordinator for 2023 Black History Month celebrations; Geoffrey Coleman (ADM) for organizing the social; Michelle Hammond (NMSS) for organizing the social media campaign; and Brian Harris (NRR) and Haile Lindsey (NMSS) for organizing the panel discussion.
Shown Smith (NMSS)
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What is the Organizational Culture Inventory (OCI ) and Why Should I Care?
Published 3/17/2023 The Organizational Culture Inventory, or OCI, is a survey the NRC is using to measure our agency culture. It measures culture based on behaviors - people respond about the extent that a behavior is expected or required to "fit in" when interacting with other people at the NRC.
For example, are you expected to push decisions upwards? Show concern for people?
Accept the status quo? Help others grow and develop? How much we expect these behaviors as the way to fit in, be recognized, and get ahead tells us about what we value in our current culture. It also tells us where we need to make changes to be more effective and improve our organizational health.
The NRC first used the OCI in 2020 to establish a baseline measure of our current and ideal culture. The results were used to develop the agency's Agency Culture lmP-rovement Strategy. The NRC conducted an interim
assessment of culture in 2021, the Culture Pulse SurveyJ and planned for a full reassessment of culture using the OCI, which launched on February 27, 2023.
The oc1 survey tool, developed by Human Synergistics, is unique because it includes two parts: one survey to measure our current culture, and a second survey to measure our ideal culture. This gives us a clear measure of where we are currently and where we want to be in our ideal or desired culture. All permanent NRC employees were asked to take the first survey, the OCI-Current. A random sample of 400 employees were asked to take the second survey, the OCl-ldeal, to determine if our ideal culture changed since the baseline assessment in 2020.
Your participation in the OCI survey is important to make sure that we have a valid and representative picture of our agency culture. The results of the survey will help us understand the behaviors expected in our current culture, how we have changed since 2020, and how we can drive positive change in the future.
Some of the changes made because of past culture assessment results included:
- Developing the Change Agent Network and the Agency Culture Team in OEDO
- Establishing quarterly EDO town halls to improve communications directly from senior leadership to staff and address topics of broad interest
- Incorporating leadership model behaviors in SES performance plans
- Integrating lessons on culture and the leadership model into the NRC's Leaders Academy
- Creating guides, videos, and training resources for modeling our desired culture (available on the.Agenq~
Desired Culture SharePoint site)
- Adding leadership model behaviors to Management Directive 10.72, "Awards and Recognition" to formally recognize desired culture behaviors while accomplishing m1ss1on-related tasks Have you taken the OCI yet? The survey is open until March 22, 2023. Find your personal link to the survey in your email by searching for survey_@humansynergistics.com. Check your junk folder, too! If you can't find your link,
contact the Agency Culture Team.
For more information, check out the Network Announcement "2023 Organizational Culture lnventor.y" dated March 9, 2023, or our 2023 Organization Culture Inventory FAQs.
Region IV's ACAA 2023 Black History Month Celebration Recap Published 3/24/2023 The Region IV Advisory Committee for African Americans (ACAA) held its 2023 Black History Month celebration on February 23, 2023, with the theme "Black Resistance." The event highlighted the many accomplishments and advancements made by African American activists and advocates - and like-minded Americans - who understood the importance of working toward a common good. The program explored the historic and ongoing oppression faced by African Americans and acknowledged that the true path to freedom, justice, equality, and social transformation is resistance to actions and ideals contrary to our Constitutional values.
Throughout history, resistance to racial segregation and discrimination with strategies such as nonviolent resistance, marches, protests, boycotts, freedom rides, and rallies received national attention as newspaper, radio, and television reporters documented the struggle to end racial inequality.
The program began with the introduction of new Region IV ACAA leadership, with Menique Madison as the new
chair and Shiattin Makar as the new co-chair. Shiattin was also the event's Mistress of Ceremonies. These introductions were followed by opening remarks from Acting Regional Administrator Rob Lewis and a warm greeting from Vanna Ordaz, SBCR director. Region IV colleagues shared personal experiences, event-related poetry, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and the singing of the Black national anthem.
Additional program highlights included the keynote address from guest speaker Michael Brundy, author and Toastmasters International Hall of Fame speaker. He accentuated Black resistance in the workplace by creating and supporting diversity initiatives. This was followed by a rousing presentation and dialogue led by Dr. Murray A.
Fortner, Dean of Psychology and Sociology at Tarrant County College, on resistance through allyship and interracial coalitions.
The attendees had a blast participating in Black history trivia, which has always been a crowd favorite. The trivia winners received gift cards to use at their leisure, and there were additional gift card giveaways via the Wheel of Names. Overall, the work and programming efforts exhibited by the ACAA members was exceptional!
The Region IV ACAA thanks NRC management, staff, and everyone who attended the celebration. ACAA especially thanks NRC headquarters and other regional offices that joined us via Microsoft Teams. We appreciate all the support because the event could never succeed without it.
All things considered, programming such as this is invaluable to an organization. Everyone deserves the American dream and a fair chance in the pursuit of happiness. It demands for each of us to become the change needed for a better future for all. Region IV stands strong to enable an environment of inclusiveness, diversity, and equality for its entire workforce. Until next year, continue to educate, encourage, and demonstrate equality for all NRC employees. Remember that Black history is American history!
Menique Madison (RIV)
It's Time to Say Good-Bye to... Gerry M. Powell Published 3/28/2023 It's time to say good-bye to:
Your last day at the NRC:
Number of years of Federal service:
Office:
Job title:
Office in which you started your NRC career:
Other NRC offices in which you have worked:
Gerry M. Powell March 31, 2023 45+ years Region I, Division of Radiological Safety & Safety (DRSS)
Lead Administrative Assistant Human resources Division of Operating Reactor Safety (RI/DORS),
Division of Resource Management (RI/ORM), and Division of Reactor Safety (RI/DRS)
Other Federal agencies for which you have worked:
What has inspired you to want to make a difference/affect change at the NRC?
What do you consider to be the biggest change during your time at the NRC?
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the agency today?
Do you have a favorite memory you would ike to share during your time at the NRC?
Do you have any advice for someone starting work at the NRC today?
Once retired, I plan to:
U.S. Department of Agriculture (b)(6)
Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in Mobile Devices Published 4/5/2023 The use of lithium-ion batteries in consumer products has greatly increased over the years. It seems that every electronic and mobile device now uses this type of battery. Caution is warranted, however, as there is the potential - under certain circumstances - for battery fires when storing and charging these devices.
When purchasing electronic and mobile devices, be sure the equipment has the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark. The UL mark shows that the product has been safety tested.
Lithium-ion batteries are comprised of rechargeable cells containing an intercalated lithium compound for the anode and cathode. Ironically, despite their name, lithium-ion batteries do not actually contain any lithium metal.
Rechargeable lithium batteries are commonly referred to as "lithium-ion" or "lithium-polymer" batteries and are commonly used in almost all consumer items that are labeled as rechargeable.
Alternatively, primary (non-rechargeable) lithium-metal batteries are comprised of single-use cells containing metallic lithium anodes. Non-rechargeable batteries are referred to throughout the industry as "lithium" batteries.
Lithium batteries are generally used to power devices such as watches, calculators, temperature data loggers, car key fobs, flashlights, and defibrillators.
While lithium-ion batteries and lithium-metal batteries are normally safe, and unlikely to fail, they may become a fire or explosion hazard if they:
- Have design defects
- Are made of low-quality materials
- Are assembled incorrectly
- Are stored incorrectly
- Are used or recharged improperly
- Are damaged Damage to lithium batteries can occur immediately or over long periods of time from physical impact, exposure to certain temperatures, or improper charging. Heat released during cell failure can damage nearby cells, releasing more heat in a chain reaction known as a thermal runaway.
The high-energy density in lithium batteries makes them more susceptible to these reactions. Depending on the battery chemistry, size, design, component types, and amount of energy stored in the lithium cell, lithium cell failures can result in chemical and/or combustion reactions, which can also result in heat releases and/or over-pressurization.
Charging Batteries
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and storage; failure to do so may cause damage to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
- Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch
- Always use the manufacturer's cord and power adapter made specifically for the device
- Do not use ultra-fast chargers unless the manufacturer's instructions include them as an option
- Once a charging cycle is complete, disconnect the battery from the charger
- Charging in temperatures below freezing (32°F) can lead to permanent metallic lithium buildup (i.e., plating) on the anode, increasing the risk for failure Using Batteries
- Keep batteries at room temperature
- Do not place batteries in direct sunlight
- Damage to all types of lithium batteries can occur when temperatures exceed 130°F
- External heat sources (e.g., open flames, heaters, etc.) can also accelerate failure in cells with defects or damage from other causes
- Store batteries away from anything flammable
- Inspect batteries after they are first installed and periodically after recharging; if they appear damaged, do not use them Disposing of Batteries
- Putting lithium-ion batteries in the trash or a recycling bin at home is illegal
- Recycle batteries by taking them to a battery recycling location or visiting local recycling center for disposal instructions
- Individually bag batteries or tape their ends before disposing of them Additional Information
- U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)
- Blankstein A, Romero D, Blackman J, Mullen A. Lithium-Ion BatterY-Fire in Cabin Injures 7 and PromP-ts Bight's Return to California. NBC News 2023 Feb 7.
- BU-304a: Safety Concerns with Li-ion. Battery University.
- Coding an Electronic Cigarette Fire. USFA.
- Cotton CB. Lithium-Ion Battecy Fires Fuel Household Concerns. FOX Business 2023 Feb 17.
- Iqbal N Knowledge Management - TY-P-es of Fire Extinguishers and Classes of Fire. 2022 Sep 7.
- Kelly SM. Lithium-Ion Battecy Fires Are Hami ening More Often. Here's How To Prevent Them CNN 2023 Mar 9.
- Nguyen V, Paredes D, Blankstein A An EXP-lading Problem: Fires SP-arked by Lithium Batteries Are Confounding Firefighters. NBC News 2023 Feb 7.
- Spitulski B. Lithium Batte[Y. Fires: 10 Safety TiP-S for Fire Prevention. Envista Forensics 2022 Jan 6.
Length of Service Awards: January 2023 - March 2023 Published 6/9/2023 On behalf of the EDO and agency management, congratulations to the following individuals for their service 50 Years I 40 Years I 35 Years I 30 Years I 25 Years I 20 Years I 15 Years I 10 Years I
50 Years
!Mark E. Resner II II II IJ Return to the to12 I
40 Years
!Paul W. Harris IIEmily Robbins IIBilly H. Rogers II IJ Return to the toJ2_
I 35 Years
!Ruth K. Cooke llronya D Courts
!!John B. Giessner IITrisha M Haverkamp
!Gregory E Werner lloawn V. Yancey II II I
I I
I I
I I
I I
IJ Return to the to12.
I 30 Years
!James R. Firth IIRachel N. Glaros IITracy E Hammon-Karl lloiane T Jackson lwilliam R. Lewis IIEla1ne A. Raphael llsusan M. Salter lloonna M. Sangimino
!Joseph L. Staudenmeier lloouglas E. Tharp Ii II I
IJ Return to the to12.
I 25 Years
!Alesha M. Bellinger IITamara E. Bloomer IIJames F. Drake IIMelvin K. Gray
!James A. Hickey IIPo-Wen Hsueh IIGeorge J. Khouri IIPaul A. Klein
!Jason W. Kozal IIJacqueline M. Nicholson IIPhillip K. Niebaum IIJason E. Shay IHoai P. Vo llsunll D. Weerakkody Ii II I
IJ Return to the toe I
20 Years
!Arni N. Agrawal II~ losung Ahn llsteven M. Alferink IILeslie L. Bates
!Mark A. Bates llsusan E. Cooper IIMichael I. Dudek IIAntonio E. Gomez
!victor E. Hall llwesley W. Held llzachary R. Hollcraft IIAud rey L. Klett
!Bernard Litkett llra111a Martinez-Navedo lloav1d T Mcintyre IILundy F. Pressley
!Angelo Stubbs IILeslie S Terry IITung H. Truong IIJacqwan S Walker loavid D. You Ii II II I
IJ Return to the toe I
15 Years lsezakulu A. Alemu IIBeth Schlapper Alferink IIRobert Beall IIPatnck Gerard Boyle ILuissette Candelario Quintana llchristopher C. Cauffman lloora A. Cermeno IIPhyllis M. Clark ioeborah J. Colbert IIGregory A. Flores llvladirnir Graizer IIRick J. Grancorvitz
!Joshua J Havertape IIMichelle W. Hayes ijJo Ann Jacobs jjcharline Khan
!victor T Kochuba
!!Pamela M. Lee
!!Haile K. Lindsay jjGurcharan S. Matharu joaneira Melendez-Colon IIKho1 H Nguyen IIBenjamin S. Partlow IIJose A. Pi res jJeffrey C. Poehler IINicole D. Riddick jjsandra E. Rodriguez jjPaul S. Ryerson IGayathri M. Sastry lloogan Seber IIAndrea D. True IIJohn A. Vera jAndrea Michelle Wimbush jjPrema S. Yeaman Ii II I
IJ Return to the to12 I
10 Years jRobert M. Beaton IIJonathan R. Butler jjchristine W. Fragman lloelores A. Greene jMichael C. Lidell jjshannon R. Patterson jjusa M. Pope 11(6)(6)
I jG1ta Samaddar Ii II II I
IJ Return to the to12 I
It's Time to Say Good-Bye to... Dogan Seber Published 4/5/2023 It's time to say good-bye to:
Your last day at the NRC:
Number of years of Federal service:
Office:
Job title:
Office in which you started your NRC career:
What has inspired you to want to make a difference/affect change at the NRC?
Dogan Seber April 7, 2023 15 Years RES Branch Chief of RES's Structural, Geotechnical, and Seismic Engineering Branch in the Division of Engineering (RES/DE/SGSEB)
What do you consider to be the biggest change during your time at the NRC?
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the agency today?
Do you have any suggestions for making the NRC better?
CbX6)
Do you have a favorite memory you would like to share during your time at the NRC?
Do you have any advice for someone starting work at the NRC today?
Once retired, I plan to:
Any other items you would like to include:
'.6)(6)
(b)(6)
ACAA Meets for Coffee With the Chair Published 4/7/2023 On March '27, 2023, NRC Chair Christopher T. Hanson hosted an in-house coffee and tea chat with NRC's AdvisorY-Committee for African Americans (ACAA). The meeting was an opportunity for the Chair to meet and greet ACAA members and discuss the agency's diversity and inclusion efforts.
ACAA representatives included ACAA 2023 Black History Month Committee Chair Shawn Smith (NMSS), ACAA HBCU Outreach Committee Chair Michelle Hammond (NMSS), and ACAA Chair Fatima Anthony (ADM).
Chair Hanson is planning to meet with each of the NRC's EEO advisory committees, as well as the agency's affinitY-and resource groUP-S, over the next few months.
Fatima Anthony (ADM)
Pictured from left to right:
Shawn Smith (NMSS), Chair Christopher T. Hanson, Michelle Hammond (NMSS), and Fatima Anthony (ADM)
Learning From Experts: An Inspiring Experience Published 5/23/2023 One way to learn about the state-of-the-art technology in a rapidly changing subject area is through seminars with experts who are changing what is considered state-of-the-art. Safety evaluation of safety-related digital instrumentation and control (l&C) systems has been a challenge for decades because of the constant change in technology - not only in the context of nuclear power plants (NPP) but also in automobiles, aviation, space exploration, medical devices, and defense.
Most of these non-nuclear application sectors are much larger economies than the nuclear sector and dr:ve research which is valuable to NRC staff. For example, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Information Innovation Office (120) recognized that safety assurance of digital automation has been very costly, time-consuming, and often unable to prevent mishaps. To address this challenge, DARPA launched its Automated Rapid Certification of Software (ARCOS) research initiative. To ensure utility of its results to agencies - including the NRC - experiencing safety assurance challenges, DARPA invited their representatives to engage with ARCOS research teams as evaluators.
One of the ARCOS research teams led by Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories (LM-ATL) conducted a 2-part 8-hour virtual seminar for NRC staff engaged in research to improve NRC's digital l&C safety evaluation capability. The interactive format deepened NRC staff understanding of the hidden issues in safety assurance and
evaluation. NRC staff learned of the newly systematized technical approaches to uncover the issues and reasons for the different kinds of evidence in support of the assurance claims. The knowledge gained from the seminar will help NRC staff improve its own digital l&C safety evaluation research. The figure below shows the vision in the defense sector.
Inspired by the LM-ATL seminars, the NRC team researching the assurance case paradigm is engaging its counterparts at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to evolve a vision appropriate in the context of NPPs.
Methodology Artifacts Assessment TODAY Certificate Q Authority to Operate VISION
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Lillked Digital Artifocts Continuous Q Authority to Operate (C*ATOJ Assurance Thread Assurance Cases are Aligned with Digital Engineering Methodology, Artifacts, and Agility 7
LOCKHEED MARTI" ATL. AACOS CcrtGATE (TA1)
LOCKHEED MA~
Source: Lockheed Martin CertGATE Overview presented to NRC staff on March 20, 2023, and April 7, 2023
Sushil Birla (RES), Sergiu Basturescu (RES), and Norbert Carte (NRR)
Different Degrees of Fire Alarm Emergencies Published 4/25/2023 Fire is not something you can ignore, and we all know how much damage a fire can cause if you do not handle it properly. To keep you and your family safe, you need to take certain precautions, such as installing smoke alarms and a fire water sprinkler system in your home. These systems should be checked regularly and serviced, if necessary, to make sure that you stay safe.
You have probably heard fire alarm dispatch codes, such as "1 alarm fire," in the news. There are different levels of fire alarm emergencies. Their numbers indicate different fire categories that represent to what extent local authorities are going to respond, as different levels of fire require respective levels of response from local fire departments. The different levels in the fire alarm dispatch assignments system are based on the severity of the fire, how many firefighting teams will be required to put it out, and the estimated amount of time it will take to reach the fire. As a fire's severity increases, so does the number of firefighters on the scene. The first alarm represents the initial dispatch, and subsequent alarms indicate additional units to help, typically because the fire's growth over time requires additional firefighters.
1 Alarm Fire Of the levels of fire alarms, the lowest level - and least serious - is the 1 alarm fire. It indicates that there may be a
fire at a location where the alarm is sounded and that the fire is in a small building, such as a house. Depending on the city's fire department, a 1 alarm fire usually calls for a minimum of two fire engines, a rescue unit, a ladder truck, and at least one battalion chief assigned to supervise. Upon arriving at the scene, if the first unit thinks it's necessary, they will call in a second alarm (2 alarm fire) which will double the city fire department's response, increasing the firefighters and equipment for fire control.
2 Alarm Fire This category requires more firefighters, equipment, and vehicles on the scene than a 1 alarm fire. A support vehicle called a supply shop provides additional equipment, such as oxygen tanks. As many as 13 emergency vehicles, including hazardous materials vehicles, may appear on the scene.
3 Alarm Fire Any fire alarm dispatch that goes past the 2 alarm fire is considered a very big fire that could take considerable time to extinguish. A 3 alarm fire call will bring triple the number of firefighters, trucks, and equipment to the scene, including a truck stocked with snacks and electrolyte drinks to sustain the firefighters. The fire department may also send out a media relations crew to act as a liaison with journalists.
4 Alarm Fire A 4 alarm fire is a catastrophic fire event that typically occurs only a few times a year for most city fire departments.
If a dispatch call goes out for a 4 alarm fire, up to 21 emergency vehicles, including 6 battalion chiefs, will be involved.
5 Alarm Fire A 5 alarm fire dispatch call is rarely placed, but if the situation demands it, you can expect 20 or more fire engine companies, 11 ladder companies, at least one squad company, and one rescue company, as well as multiple
specialized units such as supply shops, air support, hazardous materials vehicles, and snack trucks. This amount of response vehicles varies depending on the city and its fire departments. There should be six battalion chiefs on-site, joined by at least one division chief, one deputy chief, and the chief of operations.
Above 5 Alarm Fires Fire alarm dispatch assignments can go as high as are needed. They may be required to call for resources from neighboring fire departments to handle the number of firefighters and apparatus that are needed. The highest alarm fire in history was a 16 alarm fire in Brooklyn, New York, on August 26, 1995. More than 700 firefighters over 100 pieces of firefighting apparatus were needed to control a fire that involved several large, interconnected buildings in a crowded neighborhood.
Additional Information
- Engber D. How Big Is a "10-Alarm Fire?" Slate 2006 May 4.
- Fire Alarm Degrees: What You Should Know. Desert Fire, February 16, 2021.
1 alarm fire
5 alarm fire
Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey 2023 Published 5/9/2023 The 2023 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) is open from May 9 - June 23, 2023
Jason Lising (OCHCO)
NRC Staff Support the Youth Motivation Task Force at Alabama A&M University Published 4/28/2023 The Alabama A&M University (AAMU) Youth Motivation Task Force (YMTF) Outreach Program was held April 2-4, 2023. For more than 48 years, the YMTF has provided professionals an opportunity to interact with students to introduce them to careers within the private and public sectors.
NRC participation in the annual YMTF outreach program supports and aligns with the advancement of the agency's diversity goals. NRC staff serving as YMTF consultants this year were:
- Jade Adams, a general engineer in the NRC's Nuclear Regulator Apprenticeship Network (NRAN) program currently doing an apprenticeship in NMSS's Division of Materials Safety, Security, State, and Tribal Programs (MSST)
- Michelle Simmons, a senior health physicist in Region IV's Division of Radiological Safety and Security (DRSS)
- Shawn Smith, NMSS's senior physical scientist for international programs NRC's YMTF consultants trekked across the hills of AAMU to visit classrooms - up to six each day - to share career advice and personal career journeys, as well as provide words of encouragement to students. In addition, they
conducted mock interviews with the students.
As rb)(5) lthis year's experience for NRC staff as YMTF consultants was both enriching and worthwhile.
Supporting the YMTF program demonstrates a dedication to NRC organizational values while also promoting the AAMU motto that "Service is Sovereignty" l(b)(6>
I Shawn Smith (NMSS)
(b )(6)
Pictured from left to right:
Jade Adams (NMSS), Shawn Smith (NMSS), and Michelle Simmons (RIV)
Region II Inspectors First to Complete New Competency Based Qualification Program Published 4/28/2023 Two Region II resident inspectors - Frank Young, the resident inspector at McGuire Nuclear Station, and Bill Truss, one of the resident inspectors at Plant Vogtle - have become the first to complete the NRC's pilot for the Competency-Based Qualification Program, or CBQ, becoming fully qualified inspectors in April 2023.
The NRC typically qualifies resident inspectors through the Qualification Program for Operating Reactor Programs (IMC1245), which relies heavily on formal training courses, reading policy documents and procedures, and discussing their practical application. Under IMC1245, resident inspectors complete their qualifications and then learn how to perform the job once assigned to a reactor site. The CBQ was created to maximize on-the-job training to reduce the time it takes for employees to reach full qualification.
The program aims to equip inspectors with the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively by focusing on practical job-based learning integrated into their daily tasks. Although the program still requires inspectors to acquire essential knowledge, the primary focus is demonstrating that knowledge to the job and learning within their day-to-day responsibilities.
The program was developed in response to a 2014 review of the NRC's training programs where resident inspectors reported that "it took between two and four years after qualification to feel comfortable and confident in their ability to do the job."
In 2020, a working group of branch chiefs from Regions I and II and senior inspectors from Regions Ill and IV conducted a thorough job task analysis using the expertise of two groups of subject matter experts: experienced senior resident inspectors and relatively newly-qualified resident inspectors still learning the job.
According to Doug Tharp, senior learning project manager at the TTC, "The CBQ program is designed as a performance-based structured on-the-job training program. The performance standards outline the inspection-related tasks that the students must perform under the guidance of an experienced mentor."
He says the mentors are the key to the whole program.
"We've listed resources for the students to read and get background on the required tasks, but the mentors explain each task's what, how, and why. When the trainee has had an opportunity to learn and practice a skill and feels ready to perform a task independently, they will ask their mentor to conduct an assessment. The mentor will observe their performance and complete the assessment rubric. What's really different is that all we measure is the performance of tasks that inspectors actually do on the job."
The program is broken into three training phases: Fundamental, Basic, and Apprentice. In addition, it has two evaluation phases: a Site Readiness Assessment following the Basic Phase, and a Final Qualification Practical Assessment after the training. The Final Qualification Practical Assessment includes simulated scenarios, such as responding to emergencies and handling ethical dilemmas.
The program's performance standards outline the inspection-related tasks that the students must perform under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
The Final Qualification Practical Assessment has replaced the Final Oral Board. It includes assessment in four areas, and Tharp said the team tried to make it "as practical as possible, replacing typical oral board Q&A with immersion in simulated scenarios." The program includes an emergency response element that allows inspectors to play the role of the resident inspector in the control room during a simulated emergency.
The pilot began in February 2022 with Young as the only student, providing continuous feedback and adjusting the standards, assessments, reference materials, and system updates. The agency expanded the pilot in June 2022 and added nine more students from each region and the TTC. Six of the other pilot students have completed the Fundamental and Basic phases of the program, granting them "Basic Qualification" equivalent to MC1245 Basic Inspector qualification. Most of this group will reach full qualification early this fall. The remaining two pilot students started later based on their hire dates and are progressing in the Basic phase of the CBQ program.
The program is currently in a pilot phase until August 2024, and the NRC will observe the performance of the CBQ program-qualified inspectors through the end of FY 2023. The working group will make a recommendation regarding full implementation to the regional administrators and director of the division of reactor oversight in NRR in December 2023.
Dave Gasperson (RI/)
11111 Frank Young (front center-left) and Bill Truss (front center-right) pose for a photo in front of a simulator at the TTC with their mentors and evaluators after completing the CBQ
Frank Young (right), resident inspector at McGuire Nuclear Station, inspects part of the emergency diesel generator with senior resident inspector Chris Safouri
Bill Truss inspecting the 18 emergency diesel generator at Plant Vogtle